Timer



July 14, 1953 c. A. scHAEFl-:R

TIMER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 26, 1949 HIIIIIrll NVENTOR. Car] /gxfclae'x BY @W7 July 14, 1953 c. A. scHAEFER TIMER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 26, 1949 uw# ofe i f ff w /f x 10W/m 4 i j ,f j 2 d j @Y .M i f a l r n f .a y f 7, 2 j j y M l 5. ,m 2 (4 /7 ab l if .j

Patented July 14, i953 Carl A. Schaefer, Whitefish Bay, `Wis., assigner to Square D Company, Detroit, Mich., afcorporation of Michigan Application April 26, 1949, Serial No. 89,651

This invention` relatesk to automatic timing mechanisms having adjustable time delay means for varying the operation of the mechanism.

In earlier devices of this type, it was frequently the practice to provide a tapered needle valve threaded at the outer end and movable toward or away from a valve seat, tapered or otherwise, to control the time required for agiven volume of air to enter into a chamber, the rate of entry of the air into the chamber controlling the rate of movement of a diaphragm. The relationship between the time required for a given amount of air to enter the chamber and the setting of the threaded needle Valve in relation to the valve seat Was substantially hyperbolic.

One object of the invention is the provision of an improved adjustable timing mechanism Wherein the relationship between the delay time and the setting of the timing controller is substantially linear.

Another object of this invention is the provision of an improved adjustable timing device in which the time delay is controlled by variations in the resistance to the flow of air through a capillary tube. l

Another object of this invention is the pro- Vision of an adjustable timing device in accordance with the preceding object in which the time delay is varied by varyingthe distance a slender rod or iilament is projected within a capillary tube through which the timing air ilows.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an adjustable timing device in accordance with the preceding object in which the capillary tube is substantially circular in form and the slender rod or iilament isv exible and carried by a rotating member which controls its insertion and withdrawal from the tube.

Other objects and features of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the specification and appended drawings illustrating lcertain preferred embodiments in which:

' Figure l is a front elevational view of an electrical'relay incorporating the timing mechanism of' 22 claims. (0.1.161-1) yThe deviceof `the present invention, as specifically shown in the drawing.` comprises a segmented base I having lower, middle and top portions dening chambers for the operating mechanism to` besubsequently described, and topped by a cover piece 2 provided with relatively large holes 3v communicating the chamber` in the top base bushing II in the cover 2.` The exterior portion of the shaft 6 is provided with a selector disk 8 carrying time `indicia which may be set with respect to a reference marker I0.

The periphery of the Wheel I2 has a generally V-shaped notch in which there is mounted a slender rod or filament I3 whichis held tothe Wheel I2 by a retaining wall 58, an integral part of the topportion of the segmented base I. A small radial hole I4 is provided in the Wheel I2 for anchoring one end of the filament I3. A length of capillary tubing I5 is provided, one end of which receives the free end of the lament I3, the tubing I5 being adapted to receive varying lengths of the rod or filament I3 upon rotation of the wheel I2.

Theopposite end of the ,capillary tubing I5 is sealably connected into a block I6 mounted through a sealing gasket I'l to the top portion of the base I. Within the I'block I6, this opposite end of the tubing I5 connects to va passageway 23 which also extends through the top portion of the base and communicates with a passageway 22 extending through the middle portion of the base and communicating with a chamber 2|. Near that end of the capillary tubing I5 which receives the free end of the lament I3, there is provided a small hole I9`in the tubing through which com- 'municationis provided, through tubing I5 and `passageways 23 and `22, to the chamber ZI.

A thin, iiexible diaphragm 21 is disposed between the top and middle portions of the base and carries -stiflening washers 28 and 29 which. surround a ferrule 3l of substantially rigid material which is provided through the center of the diaphragm 21. l

The lower portion of the ferrule 3| is provided with a thin, circular valve seat 32, a spring 33 being provided between the ferrule 3| and a washer l to bias the valve seat 32 toward engagement with valve disk 25 which, with an associated retainer 26, rests in a suitable recess in the upper edge ofthe middle base portion. This middle `portion has a hole 24 therethrough which provides for free passage of air from the chamber 2| to the space beneath the diaphragm 21.

It willbe seen that when the valve seat 32 is in contact with the valve disk 25, no air may pass from the space above the diaphragm 21 into the space 2| except through the capillary tube, that route having been previously described, while with the seat 32 movedupwardly, free access is provided through the open center of the ferrule 3 I. Y

The lower boundary of the chamber 2I is defined by a ilexible rubber diaphragm 34 mounted admittedto' the space above the diaphragm 21 Y and escaping vto the `outer atmosphere through with a sealing gasket 2l] between the middle and.T

lower portions of the segmentedl base I.

The

central portion of the diaphragm 34 isprovided with stiffening'washers 35 and 36 to which is mounted a movable bracket 38 by a riveted or spun over element 31 whose lower, head portion`v functions asA an abutment stop engaging a bosson the lowerV portion of the base. The vertical part of the bracket 38 passes through a hole 4I) in the lower portion of the base I and carries a block 39 whichis guided for rectilinear movement by a post 30 xedly mounted in the lower base portion. A spring 43 about post 30 biases the block 33 and the parts connected thereto into their lowermost positions. f l

The present invention illustrated has an oper- Vator for an electric switch shown generally at' 42 as a. self contained electric Yswitch of Ystand- 1.

' ard form having suitablev cooperating switching contacts (not shown). The switch operator at EI is engaged by an adjustable' abutment 92 mounted upon the extension of a bridging portion 63 connecting spaced arms 64 pivoted to a part integral with the lower portion of the base at 65. and with one of the armsv Ii4-having an extension S8 provided with a sliding pivotal connection with the block 39 by means of the pin @E and slot 61.

- Associated with the timing mechanism in the specific embodiment shown, there is an electromagnetic operator comprising an E-shaped eld magnet 5I provided with an energizing coil 49 and adapted to attract a T-shaped armature member 52. The armature 52 is mounted upon U-shaped brackets 53 which are guided for verticalmovement behind a front plate 55 by slots in the insulating platform 45 rigid with the brackets 53, which slots receive an upstanding ange 45 rigid with the front plate 55. Mounted on the platform 45 is a post 51 having a head 56 mounted thereon for limited relative movement therebetween, and with the head 56 biased upwardly with respect to post 51 by the spring 58. The relative motion between head 56 and post 51 insures sealing of the armature 52V against the eld magnet 5I with the block 39 in its uppermost position. The armature 52 and itsassociated structure are biased downward notonly by gravity, but by the spring 54` connecting flanges on the front plate 55 and on the U-shaped brackets 53 and with the flanges spaced apart by a link 59 pivotally connected thereto. The base containing the timing and switch operating mechanism andthe electromagnetic operator are mounted together as shown in cooperating relation upon the mounting plate 44.`

The operation of the timing relay is as follows:

Energization of the solenoid 49 causes the armature 52 to move upwardly, raising head 56 on post 51 to raise block 39 against the bias of spring 43. Raising of block 39 rotates arm 54 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2 to move switch operator 6I downwardly the felt diaphragm 5 and the holes 3 of the cuter. cover. 2. After this air has been forced out, the-valve seat 32 recloses upon the valve disk 25 under the bias of spring 33. lt will be seen that, due to the large eifective area of the valve diaphragm 21,' the force required to open the valve is very small, giving improved operation when the timing unit is used with a small operator. Further,l the large area ofthe valve diaphragm 21` also serves to causefa relatively large force to be exerted by the small valveseat 32 upon the valve disk 25 during the timing period when the chamber 2l is'under a partial vacuum.

The timing period isinitiated by deenergization of the coil 49. Y The'armature 52 then falls to itslowered position due to the actionof gravity and the bias of spring 54,-.and the head 59 is pulled away from the block 39. The diaphragm Silvie-urged downward by the action ofthe spring 43 forcing the block 39, which Vis coupled to the diaphragm 34 by the bracket 38, away from the base I. However, -the only air which can enter the chamber 2| to permit the controlled downward movement-of -the diaphragm` 34 is that which passes through the hole I9 in the capillary tube I5Y and through the capillary tube and the passageways 23 and-22.` rEhe diaphragm can move only at a rate consistent with the time required for the space. above it'to fill with air. Thus, the rate of descent of the diaphragm 34 from itsfupward position to the lowered position shown'in Figure 4, and the consequent movement of the block 39 and the switch actuating levers 58, 64, is directly dependent upon the amount of air which can flow through the capillary tube during a given period of time. This period of time is determined by the length of the rod or filament I3 which lies within the operative portion, that portion between the small hole I9 and the block I5, of the capillary tube I5. In such a tube, the frictional resistance to the flow of air through that portion in which the filament lies is so large that the rate at which the air flows is directly'proportional to the length of lament within the tube.

As the diaphragm 34 moves downwardly, block 39 willmove downwardlyy therewith and will rotate arm E4 in aclockwise direction. |The abutment 62 permits'the switch operator SI to move upward until the switch 42 operates to end the timed period, which in the specifically shown embodiment 'of the invention is the period between deenergization of ther coil 49 and reverse operation of the switch 42.

VFor any setting of the selector disk 3 and the associated timing wheel I2, the'amount of air which can pass through the capillary tube (and subsequently into the chamber 2I to control the movement of the diaphragm 34) during a given period is xed due to the fact that for any such setting, a particular length of the wire I3 Ywill lie within capillary tube I5. Consequently, for a particular setting of the selector disk 8 and the associated timing wheel I2, the time delay before the switching mechanism 42 nite and constant. l

It will be obvious that the timing device ,of the present invention may be utilized in any arrangement in which a timed period is desired and it may be used with any type of operator and for timing in any direction with or without switch operation. o

It will also be understood that for limited arcs of the capillary l5 and the rod or filament i3, both may be rigid; but, to secure the longest representative arc, and hence the greatest length of insertion ofthe rod or filament into the capillary tube, the rod or filament is preferably of material such as a metal Wire or plastic filament having endwise rigidity butiiexible in a transverse direction so that the rod or filament may be easily threaded into the tube.

is operated is defi- It wm be Seen manine timing device of the present invention provides not only a linearrelationship between the timing period and position of the controlling wheel, but that also the entire operating range of the device may'be secured with a single turn of the adjusting dial, thus providing easy adjustment and calibration.

While certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been specifically disclosed, it isl understood that the invention is not limited thereto, as many variations will be readily apparent to those skilled'in the art and the invention is to be given its broadest possible interpretation Within the terms of the following claims.

What is claimed is: l. In a timing device, a chamber, means movable to effect 'expansion and contraction of the volume of `said chamber, means biasing said first mentioned means for movement'in one direction, means for moving said first mentioned means in the opposite direction against said biasing means, means including a capillary tube of a generally circular` form communicating with said chamber through which fluid passes as the chamber volume is varied, means providing for free `passage of fluid as said first mentioned means moves in the opposite direction, means for limiting the path for passage of fluid into said chamber to said capillary tube as said first mentioned means moves in said one direction to determine the timing period, and a flexible elongated filament adjustably insertable into said capillary tube to vary the timing period by varying the resistance to flow of fluid between the inner surface of said capillary tube and the outer surface of said filament.

2. In a timing device, a chamber, means movable to effect expansion and contraction of the volume of said chamber, means biasing said first mentioned means for movement in one direction, means for moving said first mentioned means in the opposite direction against said biasing means, means including a capillary tube of a generally circular form communicating with said chamber through which the fluid passes as the chamber volume is varied, means providing for free passage of fiuid as said first mentioned means moves in the opposite direction, means for limiting the path for passage of fluid into said chamber to said capillary tube as said first mentioned means moves in said one direction to determine the timing period, a flexible elongated filament adjustably insertable into said capilliary tube to vary the timing period by varying the resistance to flow of fluid between the inner surface of said capillary tube and the outer surface of said filament, and a rotatable wheel having one end o mentioned means for movement in one direction,

means for moving said first mentioned means inl the opposite direction against said biasingmeans, means including a capillary tube of a generally circular form communicating with saidchamber through which the fiuid passes as the chamber volume is varied, means-providing for free passage of fluid as said first mentioned meansmoves in the opposite direction, means for limiting the path for passage of fluid into said chamber to said capillary tube as said first mentioned-means moves in said one direction to determine the timing period, a flexible filament lnsertable into said capilliary tube, arotatable wheel for varying the timing period by adjustably inserting said filament within said capillary tube, andmeans for carrying said filament upon said wheel'.

4. In a timing device, a chamber, means movable to effect expansion and contraction of the volumeof said chamber, means biasing said first mentioned means for movement in one direction, means for moving said first mentioned means in the opposite direction against said biasing means, means including a capillary tube of a generally circular .form communicating with said chamber through whichthe fiuid passes as the chamber volume is varied, means providing for free passage of fluid as said first mentioned means moves' in the opposite direction, means for limiting the path for passage of fluid into said chamber to said capillary' tube as said first mentioned means moves in said one direction to determine the timing period, a fiexible filament insertable into said capillary tube, a rotatable wheel for varying the timing period by adjustably inserting said filament within said capillary tube, means for carrying saidk filament upon said wheel, and means including indicia for selectively positioning said rotatable wheel.

5. In a timing device, a chamber, means movable`to effect expansion and contractionof the volume of said chamber, means including a capillary tubei'n a generally arcuate form communicating with said chamber, means for limiting the path forpassage of fluid into said chamber to said capillary tube as said first mentioned means moves in at least one direction to determine a timing period, a rod in an arcuate form adjustably insertable into said capillary tube, rotatable means carrying said rod and varying the .timing period by adjustably inserting said rod within said capillary tube.

6. In a timing device, a chamber, means movable to effect expansion and contractionof the volume of said chamber, means biasing said first mentioned means for movement in one direction, means for moving said first mentioned means in the opposite direction against said biasingfmeans, means including a capillary tube in a generally arcuate form communicating with said chamber through which fluid passes as the chamber volume is varied, means providing for free passage of fluid as said first mentioned means moves in said opposite direction, means for limiting the path for passage of' iiuid into said chamber to said capillary tube as said first mentioned .means moves in said one direction to determine the timing period, a Vrod in an arcuate form adjustably insertable into said capillary tube to varyV Vthetiming periodV by varying theiresistance to iiow of iiuid `between the inner surface of saidV capillary tube and the outer vsurface'oi said rod and Vrotatablemeans carrying andmoving said rod. l i

' ,'7. In a timing device, a base, a chamber with-V said base, means including. a capillary tube controlling the communication between said lchamber and the atmosphere'during the tim-ing Vmeans operating in response to the position of said airtight means to determine the timing period. Y Y v8. In a timing device, a base, a chamber with- Vin said base, Ameans yincluding a capillary tube the communication between said controlling chamber and the atmosphere during the timing period, adjustable means including a thin rod or iilament extending into said capillary tube for varying the resistance to air iiow through the tube, airtight'means defining at least part of one side ofv said chamber, means for varying the position of said airtight means to vary the chamber volume, and means operating in response to the position of said airtight means toV determine the timing period.

9. IIL-a .timing device, a base, a chamber withinV saidbase, a rotatable member, a iiexible rod or filament mounted upon-said rotatable member., meansincluding av capillary tube of a generally circular shape controlling thecommunication between said chamber vand the atmosphere during the'timing period, saidcapillary'tube being adapted to receive said filament or rod upon rotation of said rotatable member, airtight means defining at least part of one side of said chamber, means for varying the position of saidV airtight means to vary the-chamber volume, and means operating in response to the position of said airtight means to determine the timing period.

v l0. In aY timing device, a chamber, a flexible diaphragm defining at least partv of one side of said chamber and movable to effect expansion and contraction of the volume of said'chamber, means biasing said diaphragm for movement in one direction. meansV for moving said diaphragm in the opposite direction against said biasing means, a capillary tube communicating with said chamber through which fluid passes as the chamber volume is varied, means providing for free passage of uid as said diaphragm moves in the opposite direction, means for limiting the path for passage of fluid into said chamber to said capillary tube as said diaphragm moves in said one :direction to determine the timing period, means operating in response to the position of said diaphragm, and a iilament adjustably insertable into said capillary tube to vary the timing period by varying the resistance to iiow of fluid between thev inner surface of said opening and the outer surface of said filament.

ll. In a timing device, a chamber, a flexible diaphragm defining at least part of one side of said chamber and movable to effect expansion and contraction of the volume of said chamber, means biasing said diaphragm for movement in one direction, means for'moving said diaphragm in the'opposite direction "against said biasing means, a capillary tube in a generally circular form communicating with said chamber, the

plane-of the. tube being substantially parallel to the diaphragm, means for limiting the path for passagefof vluidinto said chamber to said capillary tubefas said diaphragm moves in at least one direction to determine the timing period,

Ymeans `roperati-ng in response to the position of saidYV diaphragm, anda flexible iilament adjustably insertable into said capillary tube to vary the timing period vby, varying the resistance to flow -of fluid'between the inner surface of said Y openingand the outer surface of said filament. f l2.V Ina timing;A device, a chamber, a flexible diaphragm dening at least part of one side of said chamber and movable to effect expansion and contraction of the volume of said chamber, means for moving said diaphragm in opposite directions-,a capillary tube in a generally circular form communicating with said chamber,A means for limiting the path for passage of fluid into said-chamber to saidcapillary tube as said rdiaphragm moves in at least one direction to determine vthetiming period, means operating in response Vto the position of said diaphragm, aV

Vform communicating with said chamber through Vwhich fluid passes as the chamber volume is varied, means providing for free passage of fluid as said diaphragm moves in said opposite direction, means lfor limiting the path for passage of fluid into said chamber to said capillary tube as said diaphragm moves in said one direction to determine the timing period, a filament adjustably insertable into said capillary tube, a rotatable Wheel for Varying the timing period by adjustably inserting said lament within said capillary tube, and means for carrying said iilament upon said wheel.U

14. In a timing device, a base having a cupshaped portion, a flexible diaphragm, a chamber formed by said cup-shaped portion and said diaphragm, a capillary tube in an arcuate form, means mounting said tube in said base in a plane substantially parallel to said diaphragm, apertures within said base communicating one end of capillary tube with said chamber, means communicating another portion of said capillary tube with the atmosphere, a wheel, a filament, means mounting said filament upon said wheel, means mounting said wheel to said'base such that said filament is substantially coplanar with said tube, one end of said filament being inserted within one portion of said tube whereby adjustable lengths of said iilament are positionable within said tube by rotation of said wheel, means for effecting movement of said diaphragm to vary the volume of said chamber, means responsive to diaphragm movement, means permitting free movement of said diaphragm as it moves in one direction, and means limiting the rate of movement of said diaphragm' in the opposite direction to a rate'proportional to the rate of air flow Ythrough said capillary tube.

said base comprises a plurality of sections, said cup-shaped portion being in a first of said sections, said wheel being mounted to a second of said sections, one of said apertures being formed in said first section and another of said apertures being formed in said second section.

16. The device defined in claim 14 in which said base comprises a plurality of sections, said cup-shaped portion being in a first of said sections, said wheel being mounted to a second of said sections, one of said apertures being formed in said first section and another of said apertures being formed in said second section, and in which a second diaphragm is interposed between said base section having the cup-shaped portion and said base section mounting said wheel, said sec" ond diaphragm having an opening registering with said apertures within said base.

17. The device dened in claim 14 in which said base comprises a plurality of sections, said cup-shaped portion being in a first of said sections, said wheel being mounted to a second of said sections, one of said apertures being formed in said rst section and another of said aper tures being formed in said second section, and

' in which a second diaphragm is interposed between said base section having the cup-shaped portion and said base section mounting said wheel, said second diaphragm having an opening registering with said apertures within said base, and in which said means `permitting free movement of said diaphragm as it moves in one direction includes said second diaphragm, a valve seat carried by said second diaphragm, `and an opening communicating said chamber and said second diaphragm.

18. The device defined in claim 17, in which said valve seat is biased toward closed position by a spring interposed between said valve seat and said wheel, said wheel having an upstanding shaft, a selector disk carrying indicia beingmounted upon said shaft.

19. In a timing device, a base comprising a plurality of base sections, a first of said sections having a cup-shaped portion, a flexible diaphragm, means mounting portions of said diaphragm to portions of said cup-shaped portion whereby a chamber is defined by said cup-shaped portion and said diaphragm, a capillary tube in a generally circular form, means mounting said tube to a second `of said base` sections, a rotatable wheel having a peripheral notch therein, a filament, means mounting said filament to said wheel, said filament being disposed in said notch, means mounting said Wheel to said second section such that said filament is substantially coplanar with said tube, one end of said filament is substantially coplanar with said tube, one end of said filament being inserted within said tube whereby adjustable lengths of said filament are positionable within said tube by rotation of said wheel, a centrally disposed shaft on said wheel, a cover mounted to said second base section, said cover having means engaging said wheel, an`

aperture in said second base section communicating with one end of said capillary tube, an aperture in saidfirst base section communicating said chamber with said aperture in said second base section, means foreffecting movement of said di` aphragm, means responsive to diaphragm movement, means permitting free movement of said diaphragm as it moves in one direction and means limiting the rate of movement of said diaphragm in the opposite direction to a rate proportional to the rate of air iiow throughsaid capillary tube.

20. In a timing device having a chamber dened by a base and a diaphragm and means for effecting movement of said diaphragm to vary the volume of said chamber, the combination of means for determining the rate of air now into said chamber as said diaphragm is moved to de termine the timing period comprising an elongated opening of uniform cross section ina plane generally parallel to the plane of said diaphragm, means communicating a first portion of said i opening with the atmosphere, means including apertures within said base communicating a second portion of said opening with said chamber, an elongated filament having a cross section which is substantially uniform, and means for `effecting the insertion of adjustable lengthsV of said filament between said first and second portions of said opening to Vary the timing period.

21. The device defined in claim 20, in which said elongated opening is in arcuate form, and said means for effecting the insertion of adjustable lengths of .said filament includes a rotatable wheel mounted to said base, said lament having one portion connected to said Wheel and one end inserted within said opening.

22. The device deiined in claim 20, in which said elongated opening is in arcuate form, and said means for effecting the insertion of adjustable lengths of said filament includes a rotatable wheel mounted to said base, said filament having one portion connected to said Wheel and one end inserted within said opening, and in which said v Y means communicating a second portion of said opening with said chamber also includes a block sealably mounted to said base, and means sealably joining said second portion of said opening to said block, said block having a passageway therein aligned With said base aperture.

CARL A. scHAEFER. v 

